From $100 Million to About $20 Million Harry and Meghan Sign New Netflix Deal
- Luxe magazine Switzerland
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 18
From $100 Million to About $20 Million Harry and Meghan Sign New Netflix Deal
A New Chapter in the Sussexes’ Hollywood Journey
Montecito, August 11, 2025 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again in business with Netflix but this time, the numbers tell a very different story. After the expiration of their groundbreaking five-year, $100 million deal signed in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have secured a new multi-year first-look agreement. Industry insiders estimate the new arrangement is worth around $20 million, a sharp drop from their original Hollywood payday (Page Six, The Sun, Business Insider).
This marks both a setback and a fresh opportunity for the couple, whose media ventures have been a lightning rod for public attention since their dramatic departure from royal duties.
The $100 Million Deal That Defined Their Exit from Royal Life
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back from senior royal duties — a move dubbed “Megxit” by the British press. The couple sought financial independence and the freedom to pursue personal causes without the constraints of royal protocol.
By September of that year, they had launched Archewell Productions and signed a reported $100 million deal with Netflix. The arrangement promised a mix of documentaries, scripted series, children’s programming, and feature films aligned with their values: social justice, mental health advocacy, environmental awareness, and uplifting stories (Archewell on Wikipedia).
Their debut project, Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022, offered an intimate look at their romance, challenges within the royal family, and decision to leave. The series became one of Netflix’s most-watched documentary debuts, racking up 81.55 million viewing hours in its first four days. (The Independent, Parade).
The Projects That Followed and the Ratings Reality
After their sensational debut, the Sussexes delivered several follow-up projects:
Live to Lead (2022), a docuseries inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
Heart of Invictus (2023), chronicling athletes preparing for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games.
Polo (2024), highlighting the competitive equestrian sport.
With Love, Meghan (2024), Meghan’s lifestyle series focusing on food, home décor, and personal wellness.
While each had niche appeal, none approached the cultural impact or viewing numbers of Harry & Meghan. Industry analysts point out that, for Netflix, the value of celebrity partnerships lies in consistent, high-engagement output something the Sussexes struggled to maintain. (Marie Claire, Hindustan Times).
Why Netflix Hit the Pause Button on the Mega-Deal
By early 2025, speculation was mounting that Netflix would not renew the initial contract. The streaming giant had begun shifting its strategy: rather than locking in vast sums for multi-year celebrity packages, it preferred flexible, performance-based agreements.
This mirrored its approach to other marquee partnerships, including Higher Ground, the production company run by former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, which transitioned to a non-exclusive arrangement (The Cut).
Sources confirmed in mid-2025 that the Sussexes’ contract would indeed expire in September 2025 without renewal ..(People, Entertainment Weekly).
A New First-Look Deal: Reduced Scope, Targeted Output
On August 11, 2025, the couple announced their new partnership with Netflix a first-look agreement. In this model, Archewell pitches projects to Netflix first, but the streamer is under no obligation to green-light them. Payment comes only when a project is approved.
Industry reports peg the new deal’s value at around $20 million approximately one-fifth of the 2020 contract. While this is a substantial cut, it still represents a significant commitment in today’s volatile streaming market. (Page Six, The Sun).
Royal historian Hugo Vickers told The Sun that the Sussexes “were not in a strong negotiating position,” adding that Netflix may value the publicity associated with their names as much as if not more than the content itself.
What’s Next: The Sussexes’ 2025 Netflix Slate
Despite the reduced scale, the couple’s pipeline for the coming year is varied and ambitious:
Season 2 of With Love, Meghan Premiering late August 2025, featuring recipes, home décor ideas, and personal reflections.
Holiday special With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration Slated for December 2025, with seasonal cooking and charity spotlights.
Documentary short Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within Highlighting HIV/AIDS education and resilience among Ugandan youth.
Scripted adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestseller Meet Me at the Lake Currently in development.
These projects are designed to reinforce Archewell’s brand identity: uplifting, values-driven storytelling that blends lifestyle, advocacy, and entertainment. (Business Insider, New York Post).
Netflix’s Calculated Bet
Netflix executives appear to view the scaled-back arrangement as a low-risk, high-reward gamble. By approving projects one at a time, the streamer limits financial exposure while keeping the door open for another Harry & Meghan-style hit.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, praised the couple’s “unique ability to inspire audiences worldwide” and pointed to their track record in producing globally relevant content, even if not all projects achieved blockbuster status. (Business Insider
Public Perception and Media Reactions
Reactions to the new deal have been mixed. Supporters frame it as a pragmatic evolution a realistic adjustment to the current streaming landscape. Critics, however, see it as a sign that the couple’s market value has diminished.
British tabloids were quick to highlight the steep pay cut, with some headlines casting it as a “humiliation” for the “much-maligned royal exiles” (Page Six)
In contrast, entertainment industry analysts note that even a $20 million contract is substantial for a first-look deal, especially in an era of cost-cutting across streaming platforms.
A Test for Archewell’s Creative Future
The Sussexes’ ability to adapt to this new framework will likely determine Archewell’s longevity in the entertainment business. Without the cushion of guaranteed nine-figure funding, each pitch must not only align with their values but also deliver measurable audience interest.
This could push them toward tighter storytelling, strategic collaborations, and more commercially viable concepts while still leveraging their unique brand appeal.
Conclusion: Reset or Retreat?
From $100 million to about $20 million, Harry and Meghan’s Netflix journey reflects both the volatility of the streaming industry and the challenges of sustaining celebrity-driven content.
For Netflix, the new deal is a cautious way to keep a globally recognized brand in its portfolio without overcommitting resources. For the Sussexes, it’s a second chance to prove their creative and commercial value albeit with less room for error.
Whether this partnership sparks a renaissance or signals a gradual fade from the spotlight will depend on the success of their upcoming projects. Either way, the world and the streaming charts will be watching.
Timeline: Harry and Meghan’s Netflix Partnership (2020–2025)
January 2020
Harry and Meghan announce stepping back from senior royal duties.
September 2020
Launch of Archewell Productions and signing of the initial $100 million, five-year deal with Netflix.
December 2022
Release of Harry & Meghan, the docuseries debuting on Netflix to high viewership.
2022–2024
Production and release of several projects including Live to Lead (2022), Heart of Invictus (2023), Polo (2024), and With Love, Meghan (2024).
Early 2025
Netflix signals intent not to renew the original deal, reflecting broader shifts in streaming strategies.
August 11, 2025
Announcement of a new first-look multi-year deal, reportedly worth around $20 million.
Late 2025
Planned releases under the new deal include With Love, Meghan Season 2, the holiday special, Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within documentary, and scripted projects in development.
